In the legislative definition (Act No. 206/2009 on Museums and Galleries and on the Protection of Objects of Cultural Value and on the Amendment of the Act of the Slovak National Council No. 372/1990 Coll. on Offences, as amended), the Slovak Technical Museum (STM) is a nationwide specialized museum. Based on survey and scientific research in accordance with the focus and specialization of performing basic professional activities, it acquires, evaluates and examines, protects, uses and presents collection objects and collections and documentary materials related to the comprehensive documentation of the history and development of science and technology, production, industry and transport in the Slovak Republic and to the contribution of Slovakia and its personalities to the development of world science as part of the national cultural heritage.
Currently, the objects of STM acquisitions are tangible documents of the development of science, production and technology, specifically objects with informational, scientific and historical value reflecting the historical development in the following fields:
- Metallurgy
- Blacksmithing
- Mining
- Mining and Salt Industry
- Mechanical Engineering (including sub-disciplines Energy, Textile Machinery)
- Office Machinery
- Printing
- Electrical Engineering (with sub-disciplines General Electrical Engineering, Communication Technology)
- Watchmaking
- Geodesy and Cartography
- Photographic and Cinematographic Technology
- Transport (with separate collections Aviation, Railway and Shipping, Road Transport)
- Construction
- Industrial Design
- Medical Technology
- Physics
- Chemistry (including Food Industry)
- Astronomy
- Miscellaneous
Acquisition of objects to the STM collection fund is carried out in the form of:
- donation,
- purchase,
- own research,
- transfer of administration,
- exchange with another museum or gallery.